Akwa United Crush Hapless Gombe Utd

Akwa United on Sunday shoved aside Gombe United 3-0 to record a resounding victory on matchday 29 of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Second half goals from in form striker Musa Newman, top scorer Alhassan Ibrahim and Christian Pyagbara capped up a blistering second half performance as Akwa United strolled to 3rd position on the log.

Both teams announced their intentions early in the game and engaged each other in midfield battle which witnessed some brilliant exchange of passes.

The game soon became dull and lacked any cutting edge as both teams did little to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

Motivated by Coach Abdu Maikaba's pep talk at half time, the Promise Keepers then sparked the game into life following the introduction of striker Christian Pyagbara.

A clever play between Alhassan Ibrahim and Musa Newman was well interpreted by Gombe United's back line but a poor clearance by goalkeeper Danjuma Hussani was received by Cyril Olisema who rounded the goalkeeper only for his shot to hit the woodwork.

Moments later, Olisema picked up a lose ball in the midfield and delivered a through pass on to the path of Newman who tipped the ball beyond Hussani in Gombe United's goal to score his 8th goal of the season in the 57th minute.

Christian Pyagbara then demonstrated his trade mark dribbling skills, cutting through the visitors defense to locate Newman in the box, but the striker was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty.

Top scorer Alhassan Ibrahim stepped up and scored from the spot to double his team's lead in the 76th minute with his 12th goal of the season.

Christian Pyagbara also got his name on the score sheet when he headed in a rebound after Danjuma Hussani spilled Aremu Afeez's thunderous free kick as the Uyo based team strolled to their 13th win of the season.

The victory moved Akwa United to 3rd spot on the log with 46 points from 28 matches with one outstanding match against Rivers United.

Akwa United will next make a short trip to Umuahia to face neighbours Abia Warriors on Wednesday on matchday 30 fixture.